Community Reviews

This second book of the Vampire Diaries series picks up exactly where the first book ended. Stefan is missing, and Elena confronts Damon by her choosing. We see a lot more of Damon in this books and he gets close to classmates and family members, drawing ever closer to her. Bonnie's abilities get showcased more in this book as well. This story also focuses more on Elena's missing diary.The pace of this book seemed a bit faster to me, which I liked. we also get to know the minor characters, Matt,This second book of the Vampire Diaries series picks up exactly where the first book ended. Stefan is missing, and Elena confronts Damon by her choosing. We see a lot more of Damon in this books and he gets close to classmates and family members, drawing ever closer to her. Bonnie's abilities get showcased more in this book as well. This story also focuses more on Elena's missing diary.The pace of this book seemed a bit faster to me, which I liked. we also get to know the minor characters, Matt, Caroline, Meredith, etc better. The story was more from Elena's perspective this time, with less Stefan. It has a cliffhanger ending that has me determined to get my hands on the third book and find out what happened and will happen. This story was an easy read. I read over 75% in one evening sitting. ...more

Like many people, I read this because I loved the TV show. To anybody else who has this idea, I say this: really, truly, don't waste your time. Even if you love the characters. The TV show has created lovely characters and the book just doesn't have them.

This second book was better than the first. Had to be, since pretty much nothing happened in the first. Of course, the main character still carries a sense of petulance with her like a shadow, for no good reason. Damon is un-redeemably evil andLike many people, I read this because I loved the TV show. To anybody else who has this idea, I say this: really, truly, don't waste your time. Even if you love the characters. The TV show has created lovely characters and the book just doesn't have them.

This second book was better than the first. Had to be, since pretty much nothing happened in the first. Of course, the main character still carries a sense of petulance with her like a shadow, for no good reason. Damon is un-redeemably evil and unlikable, (view spoiler)[ and so I was truly disappointed at the end when the author chose to make Elena a vampire (that was fine) and then make her magically fall in love with Damon instead, and also become more vague and bubbleheaded than she already was. If this author was more talented, she could have slowly brought the reader (and Elena) around to liking Damon more, and then created a legitimate love triangle. Instead she was like, "ooh, it would be cool if she loved Damon for a while. I will just magically make that happen with no explanation and neither character's personality will get in the way." Which means Elena's personality is basically erased (not that anyone would miss it). It's just, after a certain point, if you create a world and then ignore its principles, it ceases to be relevant.

I wish the producers of the TV show would re-write the original books. (hide spoiler)]["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

I want my YA goggles back! Iwant my YA heroines to be strong and independent. I want my heroes not to be creepy. What ever happened to strong and independent heroines/heroes? Why on earth has this story come to revolve around a murderous set... and I don't mean the vampires!

I really don't like the heroine here. But to be fair, I really don't like the "heroes" either. Stefan... is whiny! Damon is creepy. Elena is a self centered spoiled princess. Who could blame Caroline for feeling threatend byI want my YA goggles back! Iwant my YA heroines to be strong and independent. I want my heroes not to be creepy. What ever happened to strong and independent heroines/heroes? Why on earth has this story come to revolve around a murderous set... and I don't mean the vampires!

I really don't like the heroine here. But to be fair, I really don't like the "heroes" either. Stefan... is whiny! Damon is creepy. Elena is a self centered spoiled princess. Who could blame Caroline for feeling threatend by her? And yes, Caroline! blech! I should have listened to that internal alarm bell that went off in my head the moment I I closed the first book. My eyes could not stop rolling; I just hope that my eye balls do not get stuck in said position. ...more

after reading:it's so bad. SOOOO BAD. but also kind of great??? like you know where there are books that are so bad you hate them more than anything, but then there are books that are so bad they are good?

I mean this book was written in what? 92? Something about that just makes me excuse how bad it is. We are clearly in the high point of YA literature now (although hopefully it will continue to get better) so everything that kind of campre-readalready own it on my kindle. Might as well read it.

after reading:it's so bad. SOOOO BAD. but also kind of great??? like you know where there are books that are so bad you hate them more than anything, but then there are books that are so bad they are good?

I mean this book was written in what? 92? Something about that just makes me excuse how bad it is. We are clearly in the high point of YA literature now (although hopefully it will continue to get better) so everything that kind of came before this time is either already a classic or so bad its good territory for me. and there is something about an early 90s book that just makes you want to like it. Idk maybe i'm being nostalgic (even though I was probably 3 when this book came out).

I still can't give it more than 3 stars. and it's probably only getting 3 stars because i have to justify why i'm going to continue with the series (beyond the fact that i already own it. ...more

Rachel E. Carteroh, I think this series was late 80's, Forbidden Game (my fave by her) was closer to 90's. the cheese factor in Vamp Diaries was just terrible, I remeoh, I think this series was late 80's, Forbidden Game (my fave by her) was closer to 90's. the cheese factor in Vamp Diaries was just terrible, I remember reading these books in 7th grade for Damon & Damon alone. I agree YA lit has gotten much better:D...more
Jul 20, 2015 09:43AM

AlahnaRachel wrote: "oh, I think this series was late 80's, Forbidden Game (my fave by her) was closer to 90's. the cheese factor in Vamp Diaries was just tRachel wrote: "oh, I think this series was late 80's, Forbidden Game (my fave by her) was closer to 90's. the cheese factor in Vamp Diaries was just terrible, I remember reading these books in 7th grade for Damon..."

I finished The Fury right after reading this and it was so much better. I said it my little review of that it was because Elena doesn't go on for pages about how much she loves Stefan....more
Jul 20, 2015 09:52AM

I'd pretty much given up on the series after the first book,The Awakening. But I was interested to give the series another try after hearing one of my friends gush on and on about the TV series.I re-read The Awakening and continued with The Struggle.

The book picks up where the first book left off.

In the second novella of the first volume, what follows is a fight for Elena's affections and indeed her soul as Stefan's older brother is unmasked as the real culprit behind the horrible attacks and tI'd pretty much given up on the series after the first book,The Awakening. But I was interested to give the series another try after hearing one of my friends gush on and on about the TV series.I re-read The Awakening and continued with The Struggle.

The book picks up where the first book left off.

In the second novella of the first volume, what follows is a fight for Elena's affections and indeed her soul as Stefan's older brother is unmasked as the real culprit behind the horrible attacks and tries to win Elena for himself by charm or by force.

As the danger solidifies around her, her life is further complicated by a rival known as Caroline who steals her diary and attempts to use it to humiliate Elena and drive Stefan out of town. As Stefan's and Elena's love grows, Elena realizes that she is facing more than physical or social danger as she starts to be seduced by the dangerous allure of the evil vampire Damon.

Accompanying Elena on her journey is her trio of mortal human friends Bonnie, Meredith and Matt who are unwitting pawns in this game that Damon is playing, and who try to protect their friend without really understanding what is happening around her.

The Struggle had much more action and was MUCH better than the first book.Also, the book revealed more about the characters which was relieving - considering the fact that I gave the series a second chance..

Summing up, it was not bad and I definitely didn't have to struggle to finish the book....more

One word to describe this book: EPIC. A HUGE improvement on The Awakening, because it deals with Damon increasing his reign over Fell's Church and over Elena's life. He's creepy as hell, totally dangerous, and really kept me reading on. I wasnt sure how I felt about Damon at the end of the first book, but now I'm hooked.

Elena's changed a whole lot since The Awakening, and is no longer catty and obsessed by pathetic and petty high school things. Though that's not to say that everybody else feelsOne word to describe this book: EPIC. A HUGE improvement on The Awakening, because it deals with Damon increasing his reign over Fell's Church and over Elena's life. He's creepy as hell, totally dangerous, and really kept me reading on. I wasnt sure how I felt about Damon at the end of the first book, but now I'm hooked.

Elena's changed a whole lot since The Awakening, and is no longer catty and obsessed by pathetic and petty high school things. Though that's not to say that everybody else feels the same, with a large theme of this book being Caroline trying to exact revenge on Elena. It's funny, because everytime the book gets dark, heavy and totally consumed with the vampire battle, a Mean Girls-esque plotarc comes along and reminds me that these are just high school girls after all, and the world is still going on around them.

I really like how Bonnie, Meredith and Elena's characters have all developed - Bonnie is really coming into her psychic powers, Meredith has a few secrets she's not telling us, and *SPOILERS* Elena may have gone over to the dark side with Damon. I kinda guessed that's what was happening to her, and I cant wait to read the next book to find out. Im also really intrigued by whatever secrets Meredith's hiding, and I hope they dont turn out to be terribly underwhelming or something.

I dont really want to spoil too much, but if you read The Awakening and werent too fussed on it, try this one because it might surprise you. Less Stefan, more creepy ass Damon, and there's a definitely feeling of evil and foreboding in Fell's Church. ...more

By the time I got to the second book I was really hooked, like I've said in my previous review (of book #1) it's very different to the tv series but that doesn't really effect anything now that I'm used to this 'version'. Again this isn't the longest of books but there's still quite a lot of stuff packed into the chapters.

I thought the ending was really...dramatic, I'm not quite sure if that's the right word, but I'll get to that later.

For those of you who haven't read the book: Elena has now foBy the time I got to the second book I was really hooked, like I've said in my previous review (of book #1) it's very different to the tv series but that doesn't really effect anything now that I'm used to this 'version'. Again this isn't the longest of books but there's still quite a lot of stuff packed into the chapters.

I thought the ending was really...dramatic, I'm not quite sure if that's the right word, but I'll get to that later.

For those of you who haven't read the book: Elena has now found out about Stefan and Damon's secret./ More strange thins are beginning to happen and after the death of Mr. Tanner many people see Stefan as the reason behind everything, but was it him that caused it all?

Well, short answer, no, he hasn't... Directly. I feel really sorry for Stefan in this book because Damon is the one (or the one suspected) behind everything. Stefan doesn't know this so he's slowly getting weaker because of his guilt.

When Stefan gets trapped in the well, again we all presume because of Damon but in fact he didn't. Throughout the book Damon is viewed as the 'bad guy' when in reality he hasn't done anything that he's been accused of (apart from killing Tanner which he freely admits).

In this book it's really the first time we get to hear about this 'other power' (which again is assumed to be Damon). A lot of us will have started piecing things together (as you do when you're the reader with more information [and all the POV's] than the characters) and I started to realise all is not as it first appeared.

Now, I can finally talk about the last couple of chapters. Yes, the scene where Elena drives her car of the bridge (accidently of course).It all happens as the result of a fight which in turn means Elena drives off angry... This is our big glimpse at the 'other power' and it is a good 'glimpse'. Elena's there thinking "The power fills the whole sky" and there I am picturing a massive thing covering all of the sky, just wow.

We all knew Elena's death was waiting for her at the bridge and I was kind of thinking, "This is it, your death is here. It's going to happen." And then at the same time I was thinking, "Unless you turn your car around this instant you're going to become a vampire. Which you probably don't want." But does Elena listen? Well no, because she's in a book, but that's not the point. She crosses the bridge anyway, and when I say 'crosses' I mean she drives straight off the bridge.

I give this book 5 stars, yes the end was good. It's a well written book that has all the things you need for a good story. ...more

I bought the second book because I had a few points in my local bookshop and I could pick one book,so I chose this one. I regret nothing.When I first read the first one, I was in a big dilemma, because I wanted to know how the story actually was but I constantly felt more attracted to the characters in the show, which is the version I knew first. In the book everything is really different from the show, even though it has the same events, twisted and at different times; but everything has a diffI bought the second book because I had a few points in my local bookshop and I could pick one book,so I chose this one. I regret nothing.When I first read the first one, I was in a big dilemma, because I wanted to know how the story actually was but I constantly felt more attracted to the characters in the show, which is the version I knew first. In the book everything is really different from the show, even though it has the same events, twisted and at different times; but everything has a different colour. The characters have the same name but are not the same, the relationships are there, but not in the same way. If you're gonna read them just because of the show, then I'd say you're doing it wrong. You're gonna meet a totally different story from the very beginning, and I actually think is a good thing, because it's not like you're reading the tv show events, you're reading the beginning of the show you love. Anyway, I must say I really want to read the whole saga if it continues like this. ...more

My reaction when I finished reading this: What the fuck did I just read?

Okay, so I might have misled even myself with the rating I gave to the first book, 3 stars. This one was an utter waste of time, absolute trash, and pointless. It was a struggle reading this, even though it was pretty short.

I thought reading the books would give me a better insight and help me understand the TV show better (which I stopped liking after the first two seasons), but it didn't. This book has less story than aMy reaction when I finished reading this: What the fuck did I just read?

Okay, so I might have misled even myself with the rating I gave to the first book, 3 stars. This one was an utter waste of time, absolute trash, and pointless. It was a struggle reading this, even though it was pretty short.

I thought reading the books would give me a better insight and help me understand the TV show better (which I stopped liking after the first two seasons), but it didn't. This book has less story than a single episode of the show.

Also, the story is drastically different from the series. The characters, the plot, the dialogues, everything is different, and the TV adaptation is a zillion times better than this series. The TV show, it appears, is very loosely based on this series.

I'll have to be honest... I liked this book but did suffer from Second Book Syndrome.

The plot was not all that amazing but I did enjoy the mystery behind Elena's diary and how Elena's did open up more to Stefan because I felt that she wasn't telling the whole story.

I love the characters however I thought that Elena could have used some character development because she reminded me a little of Bella in New Moon.... whiny and annoying.

Stefan and Damon were equally good characterActual rating: 3.5

I'll have to be honest... I liked this book but did suffer from Second Book Syndrome.

The plot was not all that amazing but I did enjoy the mystery behind Elena's diary and how Elena's did open up more to Stefan because I felt that she wasn't telling the whole story.

I love the characters however I thought that Elena could have used some character development because she reminded me a little of Bella in New Moon.... whiny and annoying.

Stefan and Damon were equally good characters however Stefan could have shown how much he loves Elena a bit more. I know he is scared of the consequences given the circumstances but if you love someone surely you would want to show them?

Damon was he usual bad guy self and I love that because it showed his wit and sarcasm.

Elena's best friends Bonnie and Meredith, supported her really well throughout the book but I thought at times Meredith was a bit mean. But I also think Elena need that.

My most hated character was Caroline because she was your typical mean girl and what she did in this book to get revenge from Elena was cruel.

I hate myself for this, but I watched the television series first. I rarely do this, but in this case I did. In all honestly, I’m glad I did it that way around. Had I read the books first I would not have watched the show. Whilst I have come to dislike the show I at least lasted through a number of series. With the books I hated most of the characters from book one, and only continued on because I’d been brought the first four books (yeah, I do love to subject myself to torture).

If I read this cI hate myself for this, but I watched the television series first. I rarely do this, but in this case I did. In all honestly, I’m glad I did it that way around. Had I read the books first I would not have watched the show. Whilst I have come to dislike the show I at least lasted through a number of series. With the books I hated most of the characters from book one, and only continued on because I’d been brought the first four books (yeah, I do love to subject myself to torture).

If I read this comment from another person I would probably roll my eyes, yet in this situation the television show is so much better.

Seriously, I have never hated a main character so much – and it only gets worse as the series goes on.

I admit that the second book was slightly better than the first, but yet again it was a case of I only read it because I owned more of the series. ...more

This book picked up in the exact same place where the last left off, Stefan is missing and Damon is the one behind it. Everyone still believes that Stefan is the one behind what has been happening in their town, helped by Caroline, who spurs and promotes rumours to tarnish Elena's queen bee status. But can Elena protect h Source: I own a bind up of the first two books in this series. Cost: Free Gift

This book picked up in the exact same place where the last left off, Stefan is missing and Damon is the one behind it. Everyone still believes that Stefan is the one behind what has been happening in their town, helped by Caroline, who spurs and promotes rumours to tarnish Elena's queen bee status. But can Elena protect her boyfriend from the people in the town?

I admit it, I didn't expect to like this one. I didn't like Elena the last time I read one of these books (A WHOLE YEAR AGO...) but actually I was kind of in to it. She wasn't as demanding this time around, she seemed to have some form of vulnerability and I liked that she wasn't this fake, plastic like human who didn't express any other emotion than "want."

Caroline was quite possibly the most irritating person in this whole book, she was just so selfish? I don't know, she's just far too petty for me to relate to her. Even though I think that's the point as she's kind of the secondary villain in this book, I don't really see Damon as much of a villain right now, I kind of like him...

A whole year later however, I am still Team Stefan all the way. ...more

The opening of The Struggle picks up right where The Awakening left off. Stefan is missing and Elena seems to know exactly who may be behind his disappearance. She goes to confront Damon and finds herself attracted to his wildness and bad boy image.

In the first book, the story of the two brothers was introduced. Born in Renaissance Italy they were both in love with same girl, Katherine, who turned out to be a vampire. She turned them both because she couldn't decide who to be with. They fought oThe opening of The Struggle picks up right where The Awakening left off. Stefan is missing and Elena seems to know exactly who may be behind his disappearance. She goes to confront Damon and finds herself attracted to his wildness and bad boy image.

In the first book, the story of the two brothers was introduced. Born in Renaissance Italy they were both in love with same girl, Katherine, who turned out to be a vampire. She turned them both because she couldn't decide who to be with. They fought over her and she ended up killing herself in hopes that the two of them would stop hating each other. But they both blamed the other for her death and have been enemies ever since. And now history seems to want to repeat itself with Elena.

After a murder in Fells Church, Elena's diary is stolen and she fears that it points to Stefan as the murderer even though he isn't. The town definitely frowns upon her and Stefan's relationship since everyone is starting to believe that all the trouble going on started when Stefan showed up. But Elena doesn't care, she loves Stefan and I admire her courage and loyalty towards him. Her character has definitely grown from the first story and I liked her a lot more.

While Elena isn't exactly torn between the vampire brothers, the struggle she goes through is definitely a tangible thing. And her once good friend, Caroline, becomes more and more of a problem along with Tyler who was introduced in the first novel. Tyler is a straight up jerk, and ever since he was bested by Stefan, he's out to get him any way he can.

The story was exciting and filled with an eerie setting that made me want to read it as quickly as possible. The cliff-hanger ending was really good and definitely made me pick up the next book as soon I could....more

I gave the first book in this series, The Awakening, 2 stars, but The Struggle is 2 and a half. The half comes simply from the surprise ending.

This book was just as plodding as it's predecessor, but had a little more action in the plot. I still have pain in my face from all the grimacing and eye-rolling (as the characters made stupid, immature decisions, relentlessly). But the twist at the end was actually really good...I wish there had been a story worthy of it in the first 7/8 of the book.

I noI gave the first book in this series, The Awakening, 2 stars, but The Struggle is 2 and a half. The half comes simply from the surprise ending.

This book was just as plodding as it's predecessor, but had a little more action in the plot. I still have pain in my face from all the grimacing and eye-rolling (as the characters made stupid, immature decisions, relentlessly). But the twist at the end was actually really good...I wish there had been a story worthy of it in the first 7/8 of the book.

I notice that several people mentioned in their reviews that they first read this series in their early teens...I think that is definitely the audience for which this is intended. The scary parts aren't too scary, it's not too dark in the subject matter, and the sexual tension is all but non-existent. And the word that came to mind when I first started reading it was "immature".

I will continue to read the series, just because I want to see what has happened with the twist at the end, although I have heard that the ending of the third book will irritate me.

I grew up on LJ Smith and though this is a good series, she has better. In terms of general environment, the books are definitely spookier and more atmospheric than their TV counterpart. In terms of actual plot, I would honestly just recommend the TV show. I don't think I've EVER said that before in a review, but it is true in this case. Stefan and Elena (in the books) are a very boring couple. I was always disappointed that Elena did not end up with Damon in the books, who was always more intriI grew up on LJ Smith and though this is a good series, she has better. In terms of general environment, the books are definitely spookier and more atmospheric than their TV counterpart. In terms of actual plot, I would honestly just recommend the TV show. I don't think I've EVER said that before in a review, but it is true in this case. Stefan and Elena (in the books) are a very boring couple. I was always disappointed that Elena did not end up with Damon in the books, who was always more intriguing as a male character than his brother. LJ Smith has a history of not pairing many of her bad boys with their female protagonists (Nick of the "Secret Circle" & Julian of "Forbidden Games") for some reason and this saddens me. Still, apparently Smith has decided to tack on a few recent additional VD stories to give Damon more of a dominant role, so maybe she'll do the same thing for Forbidden Games. A girl can hope! =P

Also, for the people who insist on comparing this to freaking Twilight: No, it isn't all that similar and predates Twilight by over 15 years. Comparing these books to Twilight is doing them a huge disservice. ...more

Another abrupt ending. If I the next one wasn't out yet, I'd stop altogether in a fit of righteous indignation. If these weren't FREE via my library, I couldn't be bothered.

THE BAD: I don't like anyone in this book.Stephan is weak and emoDamen is all evil so far with no shades of gray.Elena is a selfish empty twat. Stephan's AND Damen's attraction to Elena is ridiculous. Damen has barley even spoken to her except to harass and threaten. Stephan hasn't really had any meaningful conversation withAnother abrupt ending. If I the next one wasn't out yet, I'd stop altogether in a fit of righteous indignation. If these weren't FREE via my library, I couldn't be bothered.

THE BAD: I don't like anyone in this book.Stephan is weak and emoDamen is all evil so far with no shades of gray.Elena is a selfish empty twat. Stephan's AND Damen's attraction to Elena is ridiculous. Damen has barley even spoken to her except to harass and threaten. Stephan hasn't really had any meaningful conversation with her.I hate Elena's diary entries. It's really when her youthful naivety and selfishness comes out. I hate how much of a doormat Matt is.Elena keeps secrets.There is no Jeremy! (pout)Carolyn is a cut out HS bitch.Why would two old vampires be attracted to Elen?! There is nothing special about her at all.

THE GOOD: Interesting and exciting things happen near the end. I want to see how close the show is to the books. I like the vampire traits exhibited. They are Gothic and reminiscent of Dracula.Free from the library. I kind of know what's going to happen from the TV show. I picture the actors because they've breath life into this nonsense....more

Oooooooo Kkkkkk, so when I first started the series I was filled with hope. It was soon squashed like a bug. Gillian, author of Guardian and Forever warned me that since my feelings towards book one is one of horrified disgust, I should probably stay clear from the rest. "It gets worse", she told me. But I, friends, family and assorted readers, I am a masochist. I need to know why this book series was made into one of the most popular TV series. That and the fact that I have the first 6 books onOooooooo Kkkkkk, so when I first started the series I was filled with hope. It was soon squashed like a bug. Gillian, author of Guardian and Forever warned me that since my feelings towards book one is one of horrified disgust, I should probably stay clear from the rest. "It gets worse", she told me. But I, friends, family and assorted readers, I am a masochist. I need to know why this book series was made into one of the most popular TV series. That and the fact that I have the first 6 books on audio, bought and paid for. So book two. What to say, what to say. It is well written. Upon Elena's question as to whether Stephan has a reflection in a mirror he explains, blah, blah, blah "You are my mirror.' Very cool sentence. One! Very cool sentence. So now you know the positive, here is the not so positive.Here is the rest. Remember the scene in the first series where THE BLOND goes all self pity and turns to Matt in a drunken stupor telling him that she is as shallow as a fish pond. Well if she is as shallow as a fish pond then Elena, in the books is as shallow as goldfish bowl, those small, inhuman ones, the ones you can fill with the same amount of water as you would fill a cup of coffee with. Bonnie is portrayed as dumb. It really gets on my nerves; she has a sister, woo hoo. Bonnie is about as flat as a piece of post it. Her sister, seriously, I know why she is an only child in the series. Now here is the one thing that gets on my nerves almost as much as Elena and her shallow goldfish mentality. I do not get this. So we have Elena, in her single minded pursuit of Stephan. She wanted him, without knowing him, she got him. So here is a question, when does want turn to a love that conquers all? I have no idea, do you?I gave book one a four star review. I am now onto an epic question, does writing the worse possible characters in history as the hero's and heroins constitute a bad book? Oh yes. I give this a two star review. One star for every good, positive point. Stay clear. On an island with only this book, use it to start a fire. ...more

This series is definitely intended for young kids, evident from the lack of creativity in the writing (How many times does Elena say, "I want to kill him!" "I'm just going to die!"? There ARE more ways to say that without repeating the same two verbs.) Also, while Elena and Stefan's characters do not bother me, Bonnie was really irritating (Maybe this says something about the author more than the character, but who think it's romantic when someone is choking you??)and Meredith was boring (no wonThis series is definitely intended for young kids, evident from the lack of creativity in the writing (How many times does Elena say, "I want to kill him!" "I'm just going to die!"? There ARE more ways to say that without repeating the same two verbs.) Also, while Elena and Stefan's characters do not bother me, Bonnie was really irritating (Maybe this says something about the author more than the character, but who think it's romantic when someone is choking you??)and Meredith was boring (no wonder they removed her character from the show). But, there is still some suspense that keeps you reading.

Reading this book made me realize how much better the television series is. TV Damon has really brought to life that evil, menacing character. Stefan nearly doesn't stand out in the book, but TV Stefan makes an impact. I also like how the show didn't blatantly rip off the events from the book (not like the Twilight movie, which copies the book to the minute details). Wait, am I reviewing the novel or the tv show??

I may stop reading the series because I don't want to find out what happens to Elena/Damon/Stefan until I've watched the series. That sounds ridiculous (who watches the movie before reading the novel?), but as you can tell from my review, I appreciate Vampire Diaries the tv show more than Vamp Diaries the novel. ...more

The reason I started this series was because I have Netflix and Im interested in watching the show and getting caught up so it can be a weekly thing. I liked this book much much more then the first one, thats for sure. There was alot more action and suspense, alot of my questions and confusion stemming from the first book were answered and resolved.

I love the Damon/Stefan rival over Elena although one question still isnt answered: Why does Damon want Elena so bad? Why did he let****SPOILERS****

The reason I started this series was because I have Netflix and Im interested in watching the show and getting caught up so it can be a weekly thing. I liked this book much much more then the first one, thats for sure. There was alot more action and suspense, alot of my questions and confusion stemming from the first book were answered and resolved.

I love the Damon/Stefan rival over Elena although one question still isnt answered: Why does Damon want Elena so bad? Why did he let her live when clearly he couldve killed her? And/or why didnt he "change" her? Clearly, he is heartless and cold. I hope that there comes more struggles for Stefan relating to the murders. The end of this story left us on a cliffhanger which was good writing and good choice by the author- keeps myself and other readers on their toes. My ultimate question being: Did Stefan really kill Damon? When Stefan had his Power he got it from Tyler and his posse but, did they die as well? I also dont understand why he left Caroline alone when she clearly was going to ruin him, but I think.there is more to her character than what we got out of this particular story.

What about Vickie? Where is her demonic compulsive behaviors coming from? Why is she claiming Elena as "one of them"? Still lots of things that I am left wondering yet I liked this one much more because there was a good strong plot behind it. I felt the first book didnt hold much meaning and didnt give us readers a reason to pursue the following books in the series. If it werent for these first 2 books being on Overdrive for free, and me getting books 3&4 from a yardsale for .50 I probably would not have pursued after the first one... but Im glad I did.

Im taking a break to relieve my erotica itch. I've ben reading about a series that is on sale on Amazon for ultra cheap, now being 30% of the way through the first- but I'll be back.

This is YA material so I cant complain its just not lovey dovey enough for me, but perhaps as their relationship grows and Elena grows older it might steam up a bit. I give this one a 3.5 but I dont think it deserves a 3- so a 4 it is....more

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle picks up where The Awakening’s cliffhanger ending left off. Elena Gilbert stands alone in the old cemetery and shouts into the raging wind to summon the frightening force that has been stalking her. Stefan, the repentant vampire boy she is crazy about, has disappeared, and Elena knows who is responsible: Damon, Stefan’s cool, cruel older brother with a serious ax to grind. When Damon shows up in all his dark and menacing glory, he makPosted at Read, Write, Bliss

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle picks up where The Awakening’s cliffhanger ending left off. Elena Gilbert stands alone in the old cemetery and shouts into the raging wind to summon the frightening force that has been stalking her. Stefan, the repentant vampire boy she is crazy about, has disappeared, and Elena knows who is responsible: Damon, Stefan’s cool, cruel older brother with a serious ax to grind. When Damon shows up in all his dark and menacing glory, he makes his intentions to Elena clear—let him turn her and come with him forever, or her friends will pay the price. And forget about Stefan, because Damon killed him.

Always one to follow her own instincts, which tell her that Damon is bluffing, Elena confides in her two best friends, Bonnie and Meredith, to help her find Stefan. The perilous search for the hurt and captive boy is only the beginning of Elena’s problems. Someone has stolen her diary and is publicly posting very private passages from it at school, not only to taunt her but to show her that her own words will be used to incriminate Stefan in a town murder, a murder that Elena knows Damon committed. In an unnerving turn, one of the girls who had been attacked in the old church on Homecoming night appears to be slowly going mad. Damon preys on Elena, draining her strength and weakening her defenses. Elena races and stumbles from one nightmarish situation to the next up until the story’s frightening conclusion.

The storyline and conflicts in The Struggle are more complex than those in The Awakening. Elena is trying to save her boyfriend from his self-destructive wrath towards his brother Damon as much as she is trying to keep him from Damon’s vengeance. She is endeavoring to derail a plot to frame and persecute Stefan for murder at the same time that she is trying to protect her friends and family from Damon’s deadly obsession with her. Putting the safety of those around her above her own is the dominant theme in Elena’s struggle, and it is that very trait that pulls her deeper and deeper into trouble. The pacing in this book is different from the first, without the foreshadowing that I loved so much in the first book. Instead, unexpected and vividly disturbing events draw the reader forward. It is also in this book that the protective bond between Elena and her friends is strengthened:

"I should go out there, Elena thought. It’s me he wants, not them. He said as much. I should go out there and face him, and maybe he’ll let Bonnie and Meredith leave. But the fiery rage that had sustained her that morning was in ashes now. With all her strength of will, she could not make her hand let go of Bonnie’s, could not tear herself away."

The Struggle does not let down after The Awakening. It plunges Elena deeper into the horror, forcing her to use her independent mind and courage to go it alone. She is also starting to face the opposing desires within her that rise to the surface as she battles Damon, the one she can least afford to reveal conflict and vulnerability to. Damon can harm her, but Elena herself may prove just as powerful in her own undoing....more

The Struggle is a book about a girl who finds out a big secret about Stefan.The main character in this book is Elena Gilbert. Elena is 18 years old, and has blond hair and blue eyes. Her main internal struggle is that she really loves Stefan. Her main external struggle is that Damon is annoying her, and following her.

During my time reading this book I made a text-to-text connection. This book reminded me of Twilight. There was a part in the book where Elena realizes that she loves Stefan. That The Struggle is a book about a girl who finds out a big secret about Stefan.The main character in this book is Elena Gilbert. Elena is 18 years old, and has blond hair and blue eyes. Her main internal struggle is that she really loves Stefan. Her main external struggle is that Damon is annoying her, and following her.

During my time reading this book I made a text-to-text connection. This book reminded me of Twilight. There was a part in the book where Elena realizes that she loves Stefan. That reminded me of when Bella, from Twilight realized she loved Edward. They both realize there true love. They both learn that they can’t live without there true love.

I would honestly give this book 5 star. I really liked the plot of the book. I also really liked the romance in the book. I would recommend this book to someone who likes romance books. I would also recommend this book to people who have watched or read Twilight....more

You've done it to me again romance. And I fell right into the trap. You gave me a first book which was by no means spectacular but readable and left me with a cliff-hanger so I had to read the second to see what would happen, and you left me with a bad taste in my mouth. But as such I found with this one I was only reading it for that reason, to see what happens, I did not particularly enjoy it, the last chapter picked up a lot. But I'm sorry, a good last chapter (and good last chapter only, minYou've done it to me again romance. And I fell right into the trap. You gave me a first book which was by no means spectacular but readable and left me with a cliff-hanger so I had to read the second to see what would happen, and you left me with a bad taste in my mouth. But as such I found with this one I was only reading it for that reason, to see what happens, I did not particularly enjoy it, the last chapter picked up a lot. But I'm sorry, a good last chapter (and good last chapter only, mind you) does not a good novel make. But I must remember though I suppose that it's not really aimed at my age group, and if your into the whole teen angst thing you may enjoy this one a lot, because it does that rather well. But otherwise I would suggest looking elsewhere for a good novel.But hey, this is just my opinion, take it or leave it as you will....more

From reading the first 2 books of The Vampire Diaries, I can honestly say that I like the T.V. version Elena better than the book version. I mean, Elena in the book seems a lot more like the mean popular girl from the first book and her character actually grew out of that phase a little during the second book. But to judge the book alone, I actually like it. It is YA paranormal romance but the characters sound like they come from the 90's where not many high school kids have their driver's licenFrom reading the first 2 books of The Vampire Diaries, I can honestly say that I like the T.V. version Elena better than the book version. I mean, Elena in the book seems a lot more like the mean popular girl from the first book and her character actually grew out of that phase a little during the second book. But to judge the book alone, I actually like it. It is YA paranormal romance but the characters sound like they come from the 90's where not many high school kids have their driver's licence or cars of their own. I can't get the thought of Ian Somerhalder as Damon in the book. He seems a little more meaner in the book and has more of a temper than on the show. But other than that, I don't know what else to say, I liked it. It was an interesting read....more

L.J. SMITH, Lisa Jane Smith, is the New York Times #1 Bestselling author of The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, The Forbidden Game, Dark Visions, Wildworld and Night World series. She has written over two dozen books for children and young adults, and has enjoyed writing every one of them. She lives in thI have a new blog about my Vampire Diaries fanfic.https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

L.J. SMITH, Lisa Jane Smith, is the New York Times #1 Bestselling author of The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, The Forbidden Game, Dark Visions, Wildworld and Night World series. She has written over two dozen books for children and young adults, and has enjoyed writing every one of them. She lives in the Bay Area of California, with a backyard that is full of flowers, which she adores, especially with many different shades of roses.

She loves to visit a friend's little cabin in the Point Reyes National Seashore area, which has lots of trees, lots of animals, lots of beaches to walk on, and lots of places to hike. Once, while hiking, she saw a snow-white buck which allowed her to follow it nearly half a mile. She also likes to collect things: angels (they remind her of her late mother), tiny boxes from different countries or of fanciful shape, nineteenth century children's literature, and books about quantum physics--especially about the mystery of the dark energy in the universe. A militant optimist, she is also part of the Velociraptor Sisterhood (a fancy way of saying that she likes to read, write and discuss books with strong female characters), and she has traveled extensively in Europe and the Far East. The two countries she loves to visit most are Great Britain, with its historic monuments and amazing country landscapes, and Japan, with its bustling urban life and exquisite mountain scenery.

Her favorite current writer is Terry Pratchett, the author of the Discworld series, for its wild and witty satires on life, death, war, love, assassins, coppers, and Australia. Her favorite classical writer is Jane Austen. Her favorite poets are Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson. Her favorite movies are The Seven Samurai and Avatar (analyze that!). She doesn't have a favorite TV show, because she doesn't have time to watch TV (and only owns one for playing movies).

Her favorite people are her readers, each of whom she cherishes with deep and lasting affection.

Note: L. J. Smith wrote books 1-7 of The Vampire Diaries series. After that, a ghostwriter took over the rest of the series. L. J. wrote books 1-3 of The Secret Circle series. After that, a ghostwriter took over the rest of the series. L. J. did not write any of the Originals or Stefan's Diaries. These were written by Kevin Williamson and/or various ghostwritters....more